When it comes to working out, I struggle with how to fit it in. We have two little children, two shelter dogs, a business, a job and, every once in a blue moon, a date night to make happen!

This year, I basically made a monthly donation to my local gym: I was a no-show from April until now. My love handles are THRILLED.

As I was recently beating myself up about my lack of activity, it hit me! I DO go to a gym. It’s called the great outdoors! And the word “great” is in there for a reason.

My gym offers these really cool spinning classes. Have you ever cycled from Whitetop down to Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail? What a fun and picturesque ride! Strap the kids on the back and you’ve got a real family activity – plus some extra cardio.

Speaking of the monkeys (as I affectionately call them), weightlifting is big at my gym. Up, down, up, down with our little 30 and 40-pounders. I have, on occasion, taken the stroller on long walks, knowing that I’ll have a couple of hitchhikers on the way back. I know, I know, I’m only cheating myself. C’mon, Mom…just 10 more!

There’s also kayaking, climbing and, okay – some crying at my gym. But get this, DOGS ARE ALLOWED!

As for my favorite activity where I workout? The moments of meditation. What a peaceful and relaxing feeling when savoring a breathtaking view.

Then, at the end of a day that involved a grueling session (and I use that term loosely given the start/stop nature of exercising with children and dogs), there’s nothing like that been-out-in-the-fresh-air, physically spent, tired feeling; it’s the good kind of tired.

2 thoughts on “To join a gym, or not to join a gym: that is the question!”

It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!